Corn Snake Deluxe Buying Guide

A corn snake enclosure should be large enough to allow for a proper thermoregulatory gradient and follow the “snake formula”

Enclosure Width ≥ adult snake length
Enclosure Length ≥ ½ adult snake length
Enclosure Height ≥ ½ adult snake length

However, to build an extra enriching landscape and give your snake more vertical room to express natural behaviors, we recommend a 4L’x2W’x4H’ PVC enclosure or larger.

Corn snakes are healthiest and happiest when they are housed on a loose soil substrate, at least 3-4” deep to maintain stable humidity levels. We recommend at least 60 quarts (6 bags) of Josh's Frogs Coco Select (blend of coco husk, peat moss, and bark) along with a layer of leaf litter on the surface for moisture retention and enrichment.

A corn snake enclosure should have an overhead heat sources, an appropriate UVB lamp, a daylight lamp, and tools to monitor and control these elements.

Heat Source

You'll need a cluster of at least 2 heat bulbs to create an appropriate basking area. For a 4-foot tall enclosure, 75 watt halogen flood bulbs are the ideal source of IR-A and IR-B radiation needed for healthy thermoregulation, best paired with a reflective dome fixture to project the heat evenly and naturally.

UVB Source

Your corn snake should have a T5 HO linear fluorescent UVB bulb in a reflective fixture, roughly half the length of the enclosure. Choose your appropriate UVB strength based on 1) the distance between the lamp and your dedicated basking area, and 2) whether the lamp is above a mesh screen top or mounted inside the enclosure (no mesh obstruction). The following distances are based specifically on Zen Habitats enclosures:

- 6% UVB: 9-12” above basking surface (14-16” if mounted inside)
- 12% UVB: 14-18” above basking surface (20-22” if mounted inside)

For other enclosures, check our more detailed basking distance chart to determine which bulb you'll need and the optimal height of your basking surface, where the UVI should be at its strongest (2.0-3.0)

Daylight Lamp

A 6400-6500K daylight lamp will complete the best lighting setup for your corn snake and help to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. We recommend a full spectrum daylight fluorescent bulb in a reflective fixture.

Monitoring & Regulation

1. 2 Gauges: Place each thermometer/hygrometer on opposite sides of the enclosure to monitor the necessary warm-to-cool temperature gradient.
2. Outlet timer: All reptiles should have a healthy circadian schedule: heat and UVB turned on during the day, then everything turned off at night to allow for total darkness and a natural temperature drop (~12hrs/day). A digital timer power strip is most convenient for a consistent light cycle.
3. Thermostat: A dimming thermostat is the best way to keep your temperatures within an ideal range - just place the probe on your basking surface and set a max temp. The VE-300X2 has a built-in night drop timer that you can program to match your light cycle. (If using night drop, plug thermostat into a ‘continuous power’ outlet on your digital timer strip)

Corn snakes require a variety of decor items that are vital for security, health, and enrichment. Get creative with your decor, you can never have too much climbing, coverage, or texture!

Hides

Corn snakes need at least 2 hides: one on the warm side (under the basking bulbs) and one on the cool side. However, it’s better to offer as many hiding spots as possible to help your snake feel secure!

Fill at least 1 of your cool-side or central hides with moistened sphagnum moss and mist regularly to create a humid microclimate. We recommend one of these “humid hides” with removable tops for easy misting!

Corn snakes like to rest up high, too. You can add a magnetic hideaway for extra variety, or even mount a large plastic hide box upside-down on the ceiling to create a “sky hide!”

Branches, Cork, & Logs

Corn snakes are semi-arboreal, so climbing opportunities are crucial for good exercise and mental stimulation. We recommend at least 3 sturdy branches for your snake to climb and 3 large cork flats to provide more varied terrain and rough textures to help with shedding. Hollow logs and cork tubes are also great multi-purpose decor!

Plants

Artificial plants add more shade for UV and heat regulation, coverage for security, and they enhance the appearance of a naturalistic habitat. We recommend choosing 5-7 plants for your enclosure.

A complete corn snake setup also requires:

1. Large, heavy bowl for fresh drinking water and soaking
2. Soft-tipped, bite-safe feeding tongs
3. Hand pump mister for substrate and humidity
4. Calcium and vitamin supplement with low D3 content